The Value of a Coach – Or Why Every Luke Skywalker Needs a Yoda

Let’s face it. As much of a badass Jedi as Luke Skywalker was, he probably wouldn’t have made it out of the garbage pit and into The Empire Strikes Back without Yoda to teach him how to harness the power of The Force.

Star Wars references aside, one of the most interesting reactions I get from people when talking about my athletic endeavors is when I tell them that I have a triathlon and running coach. These reactions come in all forms and it seems to draw a lot of questions and confusion. Why? Who? What for? Isn’t it expensive? Can’t you do it on your own? And the list goes on and on. Regardless of the form of the question, the message is clearly there: most people either don’t understand or haven’t yet discovered the many benefits of having a coach.

The most common question I get is “why do you have a coach?”

This is a great question and one I had asked many athletes myself, as I am just an age grouper and only professionals need to be coached, right? In fact, I had never planned on hiring a coach until my husband recommended I do so at the beginning of last year. He said it would help me excel significantly and more rapidly in the sport, better understand the mechanics, physics, and overall science behind everything, and learn the “right” way to train and race. At that point I couldn’t possibly understand the value of having a coach until I actually worked with one.

There are so many factors involved in training, preparing for, and racing in one event. A coach would take all of these factors into account and would understand my goals, my daily life and schedule, my experience level, and what I hoped to accomplish in x amount of time. I would not have to waste precious energy worrying about what workout I am going to do when, and for how long, and at what intensity. The workouts on my schedule would be effective and doable, and would get me to where I eventually wanted to be.

I did my homework and after researching several local options I settled on Mike Larsen of Larsen Performance Coaching. Now that I have worked with Mike for almost a year, I get it. Swim-Bike-Run isn’t just a little hobby that I like to do from time to time. Running and triathlon are integral parts of my life and there would be a huge void without them. Because they are so important to me, nurturing and fueling them in a variety of ways is important. I want to learn. I want to grow. I want to be the best darn runner and triathlete that I am capable of being.

Having a coach has allowed me to build a deeper understanding of what I am doing. A treadmill is no longer just a place to people watch, read the latest gossip in Us Weekly, and sweat. A 20-mile run is no longer just a long run at whatever pace I feel like doing. Each workout, big and small, serves a purpose, whether it is to strengthen, build speed or endurance, or (surprisingly) to help me recover. Training has become this multidimensional concept instead of a straight and narrow line from point a to point b.

I also work better and even thrive off having structure and a plan. When Mike hands me my schedule for the next two, three, or four weeks, I get a rush of adrenaline. No joke. I know that it is good to focus on one workout, one day, one week at a time, but being able to see a schedule mapped out ahead of time allows me to mentally prepare and pump myself up. If you told me that I had to bike 80 miles tomorrow without warning, I would probably have a small panic attack and fake an injury. Ok, not really. But I would struggle and go through a lot of unnecessary emotions. If you told me that I had to bike 80 miles two weeks from today, I would get excited and start looking forward to the experience.

“I thought only professionals or elites had coaches. Are you trying to go pro?”

This is another question I get a lot, and the simple answer is “Heck no.” I know I will never be a professional runner or triathlete and I am perfectly okay with that. The person who loves to read, seeks out books. The person who loves to paint may never be Monet, but they may take art classes. The person who is passionate about playing guitar may never be Eric Clapton, but they might sign up for lessons in order to hone their skill. If it’s a definitive part of who you are and what you love to do, you always want more, and you look to others who possess greater knowledge, experience, and skills from which you can learn.

I know I never will be an elite runner, or pro triathlete, but that’s not what is important to me or why I put in the hard work. I do the work because it fulfills me in ways that nothing else can. Why wouldn’t I want to learn from someone who knows more than me, spend time around those who are better than me, teach and talk to those who want to realize more themselves, and seek out opportunities that may frighten me, but ultimately help me grow? Like this one – an epic 112-mile ride and awesome group of people who encouraged me from start to finish (coach is the one on the right, posing)!

“I don’t need someone to hold me accountable. I can do the work on my own.”

Trust me, I have no problem getting the work done. Some people need to be held accountable for their workouts, and struggle to do them without someone there making sure the work gets done. I have always been quite the opposite in that I am able to do all of my workouts with ease (for the most part) and actually need someone there to step on the brakes and tell me to slow down. I think people who are at either end of this spectrum would benefit considerably from a coach. A coach does NOT mean you can’t do it on your own. Only you and you alone are ultimately responsible for your training and performance.

As a newbie to triathlon, Mike helped me learn how to train properly from day one, and saved me the time of having to learn good techniques and best practices on my own. We sat down and set attainable goals. He taught be about building and recovery, and why both are equally important. If I would have trained on my own, I probably would have gone out in typical Kristen fashion and done every run, ride, or swim at 100 percent effort, without any notion of base building, speed work, or recovery. While this had worked in small doses in the past, it also had left me more susceptible to injury, being let down, or experiencing burnout. I believe that one of the reasons I was able to stay fit and healthy this entire year was because of structured workouts, balance, and time for recovery. It wasn’t about doing the work. It was making sure I did the work right.

“Why don’t you just pick up a book?”

The thought of having to pick up a book, understand how to apply what I am reading, and then go out and perform all on my own is stressful. It was also the first thing I did when I decided to sign up for a triathlon and purchased a copy of Joe Friel’s Triathlete’s Training Bible. There is A LOT of literature out there and every author seems to have the perfect plan for a particular target audience. However, because these authors do not know me on a personal level and can’t begin to understand my strengths and weaknesses, how could they know what the “right” plan for Kristen is? My coach is able to weave through my goals, understand my strengths and weaknesses right down to the mechanics, and provide a plan that is unique to me. With all due respect to Mr. Friel, he will never join me for a ride, meet me at the pool to swim, or answer my calls or text messages, whereas Mike is able to provide real-time feedback and help me to improve upon or correct mistakes that I make along the way.

Don’t get me wrong, I have my little collection of books that I go to from time to time, but my coach helps decipher basic fundamentals and communicates to me in ways that a book cannot. There are several different ways that people prefer to learn and I was always one of those who preferred sitting in a classroom, listening to the professor and seeing the visuals exaggerated in front of me.

“I can’t afford it.”

Triathlon is by no means a cheap sport. Whereas running just requires a pair of shoes and the ground beneath your feet, the gear and resources for triathlon can make you feel a little insane to be spending this kind of money to put yourself through mental and physical suffering. But I guarantee that most triathletes would say it’s worth it every dime. The one thing I have learned this year is that you have to be particular about where you invest your money. If you had asked me last year before I hired a coach, I would have wanted to put more money into a fancier bike or better accessories, thinking that the equipment alone would make me faster.

But in reality, now that I’ve worked with a coach, I have learned that the value of a bike diminishes without an athlete who knows what to do with it. Why pay hundreds of dollars to shave grams of weight off a bike or a second or two of time due to aerodynamics, when the proper coaching and training can help you get lighter, stronger, and faster at a fraction of the cost? If I am going to get better in this sport, my money is better spent developing the mental knowledge and tools that I will need to succeed under any conditions. When you are paying for a coach, you are paying for knowledge and tools that will last forever.

My advice to those who cannot afford a one-on-one coach is to actively seek out other ways you can connect with those who can help you in the sport. Whether that be through community training groups, masters swimming, clinics put on by your local running store, or a friend with a lot of expertise. It never hurts to make connections and ask questions!

All this being said, it’s not all about the coach.

My coach has been a mentor, someone I continue to look up to, and a great source of knowledge for me as I have transitioned into the sport of triathlon. I’d like to attribute many of my accomplishments and successes this past year to him, and give him all the credit, but as he quickly reminds me, it is the athlete who makes the coach’s job worthwhile. Anyone can hire a coach, but not everyone can accomplish what he or she has set out to do. It takes a lot of heart, a lot of grit, and a lot of time to chase after big goals and dreams. No one can do it for you. May The Force be with you.

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman

Comments

That was well said. A coach accelerates the application of your potential in my opinion. Though I am just starting out, I like the insight your point of view provides, and its humourous at the same time.

This is a great post. I’m someone who could really benefit from a coach because I need the structure (I’m soo not structured) to keep me focused. When I learned you had a coach, I actually wanted to know who it was because it gave me hope of becoming almost as good of a runner as yourself. Thank you for sharing this info with us.Luisa recently posted…Mission Not Accomplished

Thanks for the great feedback, Luisa. Mike is a great coach and works with athletes both near and far. I knew some of my goals were too big to achieve on my own, but Mike has helped make them very attainable.

Great post!! I have had a coach the last 2 years!! I loved it!! I am still trying to decide what to do about next year!! I thought I could just “coach” on my own but now that I have been coached I think it will be hard to go back to not being coached! I don’t know what to do!!
You had such huge gains this year! I have no doubt that you will have many more in 2015!!

Excellent post! I like having a coach for all the reasons you mentioned. The biggest benefit that I’ve experienced is that my coach believes in me more than I do on some levels. Sometimes I see paces on my schedule that I think will be impossible until the workout is done! Having a coach has also kept me almost 100% injury free while I decrease my paces and build up my distances; that alone makes her worth every dime.

Your coach is clearly a perfect fit for you. The accomplishments you’ve achieved this year have been outstanding!Kristina recently posted…Catching Up!

Kristina, I couldn’t agree more. There were days where I would look at my workout and think, :there is no way I am going to hit that pace or those numbers.” But I did. Coaches make the impossible seem (and actually become) possible. It seems like you have a great coach yourself – so many improvements this past year!

I love this post, Kristen. I’ve never had a coach since my track days in school and I’ve often debated it. I know I’d be a much better athlete. However, I always know I like to bike and run just to bike and run without hitting certain paces, etc.
I’ve said I’d like to do another iron distance at some point in my life. SInce I’ll have a kid (potentially kids) then, I could see hiring a coach since my training time will be a lot more precious and I’ll have to make the workouts counts!

WOW, I can’t believe you trained for Ironmans without a coach! What kind of plan or resources did you use initially, when you were training for your first? I’m sure doing another Ironman distance after your pregnancies will be an entirely different experience – probably more special because your kids will be able to see their mom do amazing things!

Coaches can be VERY valuable…IF they know you and listen to you. Coaches who know your strengths and weaknesses can help you reach the next level and set PRs, which is super exciting 😉 Coaches who don’t listen to their athletes can actually promote injury, over training and possible burnout. I’m glad you’ve found a coach who knows you, listens to you and pushes you to the next level!! I can’t wait to see what amazing things 2015 has in store for you!! 🙂Kecia recently posted…Racing with Heart and Courage in 2015

Yes, there are definitely IFs and BUTs. A coach who doesn’t know or understand you, or who doesn’t communicate effectively can be a waste (and terrible experience). You’ve been on both sides of the spectrum, training with a coach and without a coach. I’d be curious how you would compare the two experiences.

I love this post. Well written and such great info. I’ve been battling injuries this year, but before that I had been planning to start training for my first triathlon (eek). I joined a triathlete group even and had a mentor. He’s been helping with my swimming as I let my stress fracture heal. You’re right in that having someone to help you through the process is invaluable. Found you via PB Fingers and so glad I did!Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…2014 Gift Guide: 10 Gifts for the Blogger

Megan, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment! That is a bummer you are dealing with a stress fracture – always frustrating. That is SO exciting that you are training for your first triathlon! Can I ask what distance? It is such a scary, yet amazing experience doing your first. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. And I agree, having someone help you and work with you through the process is invaluable.

Love this! I’ve known it for awhile, but I just haven’t been financially ready to make the jump. I’d actually love to have a running coach right now. But soon, very soon, I want to transition into Triathlons and I know I will need a coach. Thanks for the perspective, it was very helpful! xxoo, ganeebanganeeban recently posted…WIAW – Random Foodness

I can’t wait until you transition into triathlon! You definitely have a lot of great areas around there to train. Those bike paths are amazing – I would be out there daily. At least once you get a triathlon coach, he or she will serve as a running coach too! Any idea as to when you might consider triathlon?

Girl, it’s like you’ve been hanging out inside my head, ha ha!!! I have been thinking about writing a post like this for a while. I totally valued having a coach this year and I am right there with you on the whys. Like you, I need someone to dial things back for me because I have a tendency to push, push push. A wonderfully written post as usual! 😀Phaedra @ Blisters and Black Toenails recently posted…#Mingsanity, Boston, A European Adventure & A Few Surprises: A 2014 Highlight Reel

That’s funny, because your posts having been clicking with me as well! Was this your first year of having a coach, or have you had one in years prior? It definitely paid off for you – look at all of those podiums and PRs! #beast

Love this post Kristen! I recently got a coach (my Christmas gift this year from my parents!) and I can relate so much to the reasons you’ve cited for having a coach here. I too had purchased Joe’s book and others, but was so overwhelmed by all the ways to approach training. While I saw success on my own last season, I knew that I would need more structure, recovery (I too always push too hard on my own or end up “binge” recovering), and specificity to achieve my goals for 2015. In just a week and a half with my new coach I’ve already noticed how nice it is to have someone to talk to about what I’m doing and why and to see those workouts in my schedule. You’re so right that we have to spend where it makes sense for us. I will improve way more as a cyclist with my new coach than if I bought a fancy new bike (even though I want one, I’ve told myself I need to earn it through hard work)!Kelsey @ Happy Triathlete recently posted…Training and Life Recap: Week of 12/8

Just caught back up on your blog and wanted to say wow! Congrats on the marathon PR and making the SAOS team – it’s been an exciting time for you recently for sure 🙂 Well done!!!Martina @ snapshotsandwhatnots recently posted…DIY microwaveable heat-pack

This was a really great post, Kristen. I can only assume that being a coach is very rewarding – and it looks like you and your coach have a great relationship. You are going to rock 2015!Michael Wolber recently posted…My Transformation Story

I’m definitely thinking of getting some sort of coach for 2015. As you mentioned in your comment on my blog – I have some muscle imbalance issues that I just don’t think I can tackle myself. I also need help with my running form. For me – I need someone that can see these errors and help me correct them. In Ottawa, it seems most coaches are “virtually based” and I really need one-on-one time. I also need money 🙂Rebecca@RunningFoodBaby recently posted…Thursday Thinking Out Loud #26

Excellent post Kristen! “I’ll never go pro”… never say never 🙂 You’ve proven a lot to yourself this year, you never know what’s in store for you.Molly Rose recently posted…I Mustache You Some Questions

I completely agree that a coach is a great idea. I just hired mine to start training for Boise 70.3 in 2015. I was lucky enough to find a coach that was a high school that went pro. I hope to learn from one of the best!

I would love to have a coach. I sent out some inquiries earlier this year, but even the less expensive ones just don’t fit into my budget. Whose idea was it to be a teacher (and to marry one)? I’m hoping that maybe I can budget better in 2015 and maybe afford a coach for the fall.Cassie @ Rural Running Redhead recently posted…Weekly Workouts, 12/8-14

Very insightful. I would like to get a coach, but I have to be mindful of the cost. I have found, along the lines of what you were talking about, mentors. I have a couple of knowledgeable friends who help me stick to the plan. My sister in law and my husband are with me as “Strava friends” and we use Strava to hold ourselves accountable to each other and the plan. With us, as you said, the comments are usually something like, “I thought that was supposed to be easy?” “Seems like you need a rest day”. Someday, if I can, I would like to have a coach. The benefits are undeniable. Until then, I have the next best thing. 🙂cheryl recently posted…Strava misses…

I totally agree with eveything you said! Of course, I’m slightly biased as a coach myself. The reason I became a Tri and Running coach in the first place was because I was inspired by my own coach. You can have a top-of-the-line bike, but without the properly trained engine, you’re just going to work at 2nd gear when you have the potential to be in 5th gear. Coaching is certainly an investment, but a worthwhile one. I know I personally keep my rates low to ensure athletes who are truly committed and interested in the sport have the ability to work with a coach.Katelyn @ Big Sky Multisport Coaching recently posted…October Teaching Schedule

Coaches are not cheap, but they make a HUGE difference. I know, I hired one for a year before I ran my first half-marathon. Even coaches need coaches: I used to be a swimming coach for triathletes! 🙂HappinessSavouredHot recently posted…The Less is More Project: Week 0 – Setting the stage

I could sure use a swimming coach. Would you consider moving to Bend? 🙂 I agree – having a coach has probably been THE biggest difference in my training and performance over the past year. 100% worth the investment!

Insightful post, Kristen! No way I’d be where I am without my coach. Sometimes I think Andy knows what I’m capable of more than I do! I was listening to the School of Greatness podcast a couple weeks ago, and his top tip to bring whatever it is you’re focusing on to the next level is hiring a coach. I couldn’t agree more! Worth ever penny 🙂erin recently posted…an austin christmas.

I love this post. I have been contemplating it for a while. So I actually joined a running group with coaches to get me ready for Boston. I only trained with myself last year and while I liked the results I think I have the potential to be way better and the only way that is going to happen is by doing something that I haven’t… so I’m giving this a go. Hopefully this means I’ll be getting faster and potentially re-qualifying for Boston so we can run together in 2016…..

[…] connection immediately. Aside from the obvious values of working with a coach which I wrote about HERE, I was introduced to new faces with similar aspirations and I started to build relationships with […]

[…] Today I was reading one of my favorite triathlon/running blogs and saw that the author, Kristin, just wrote a blog about this very topic. Instead of repeating everything she already said (which I would have because her sentiments mirror mine) I thought I would share her thoughts here. […]

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Hi, I’m Kristen. Thank you for stopping by. Follow me along my journey of becoming a faster runner, endurance triathlete, and world traveler. I’ll also mix in a few random musings, open up about life, and share my adventures around my hometown of Bend, Oregon.

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